I Decided to Kidnap the Male Lead

Chapter 48: The Three Team Scheme (V)

I thought she would come with an invitation. What a piece of work. Anyway, shes a tacky and annoying woman.

Is that the liquor license?

Yes. Shes basically saying Marchioness Neir stole it.

Catherines words continued as she scanned the garden.

Ill have to find out if this happened to the families of the ladies who arent here right now. That marchioness wouldnt have just touched one.

Ophelia shook her head.

That Marchioness Neir didnt give it to her.

Puzzled, Catherine turned her gaze to Ophelia.

What? Then who gave it to her? If another family which isnt as influential as the Marquisate of Neir had touched it, would it have been easily taken? Hn, well, the heir was like that. No way, was he cooperating with Neir to do something like this? Are there other families involved?

Unaware of Hermias relationship with her fianc and financial state of the county, Catherine, of course, did not even assume that Raisa had done it.

But at Ophelias words, Iris hardened her face as if she realized something.

Even Iris, who had seen the incident up close and lost her friend because of it, had forgotten that Raisa had concocted and executed such a plot.

It was very dangerous to judge someone hastily with colored glasses.

It could make you dismiss those who were truly threatening as nothing.

Its not provided by another family.

Then who the heck

Its not something someone gave to her. Lady Neir obtained it herself.

Despite Iris answer, Catherine was not convinced immediately.

It wasnt because of what Iris said.

It was because the gap between the Raisa in Catherines head and the Raisa that Ophelia and Iris were talking about was too severe.

Isnt that what Marchioness Neir ordered?

Ophelia was silent for a moment at the extent of Catherines disbelief, then she formed a reply.

We have to check that too.

She just couldnt tell the story of one persons death and Iris lost friend in detail. Then turning her gaze to Iris, she added.

Not just the lady.

Iris accepted the words perfectly.

You mean we have to check whether Marchioness Neir moved?

Yes.

The three sighed almost simultaneously.

The night is long.

Well, the one we were aiming for did come.

Shall we start?

The three of them completed each others words, and soon approached Raisa, receiving the gazes of everyone in the garden.

.

Going back in time a bit, around the time when the rabbit was getting everyones attention at the villa of the Marquisate of Sheffield.

Richard was listening to reports of disturbing events happening within the empire.

Currently, the whole empire was excited, as the festival where people gathered from all over the continent was just around the corner.

Naturally, both good and bad things would happen more than usual.

Although maintaining an expression of complete boredom, Richards eyebrows went up slightly as he listened to the report.

People?

Yes.

Is it human trafficking?

You can see it that way

Cooper blurred the end of his words and handed Richard a stack of papers.

The people in it can be said to be the victims for now.

Its identifiable. So whats the problem?

Its clear that the circumstances of buying and selling people have been found, but there are some ambiguous parts to conclude that its human trafficking.

What else could those involved in human trafficking do except be vague.

Cooper couldnt help but laugh at his words.

Yes. In this case, the seller is voluntarily offering a deal.

What was human trafficking?

Even decades after slavery was abolished, it was an act of buying and selling people as goods for someones benefit that still continued.

There was only the will of the buyer in it, and the thought of the seller was completely excluded.

Of course, those who were sold were only those who have been kidnapped somewhere, or those who have fallen into a quagmire, selling themselves due to excessive debt.

However, the victims were voluntarily sold.

Is it human sacrifice?

There is no word yet that they have been sacrificed to something somewhere.

Richard turned the documents Cooper had handed over and looked at the identities of those who were vaguely called victims.

What do they have in common?

Nothing has been revealed yet. Everyones age, origin, living situation, work, and relationship with people around them are all different, so theres no particular similarity.

How about religion?

Yes?

Irrespective of age, regardless of gender, class or career Its religion that can bind people together at once.

Ive never thought about it that way, but it sure is.

Cooper nodded and paused.

I never thought that Marchioness Neir would reach out to the temple.

Marchioness Neir?

It was an unexpected name.

Yes. The name Neir popped up in relation to this.

No matter how Marchioness Neir is, she wouldnt touch anything illegal like this. Plus, before the festival? Unless she suddenly goes crazy, that wont happen.

Thats why Im surprised as well. The name did come up. And its from a fairly credible person.

Yes. Neir and human trafficking, its a combination that I cant quite spit out just by imagining it.

And speaking of festivals

I know. Those two are investigating.

Yes. Then I will wait for Iris. No, or should I wait for Ophelia?

When Ophelias name came out of Coopers mouth, Richards eyebrows twitched for an instant, but no one noticed.

Wait for Iris.

What? Oh, yes. Of course.

Cooper didnt ask why he had limited himself to Iris, and Richard didnt explain either.

Ophelias voice rang in Richards ears during the short silence.

To think there is such a terrible inevitability as the necessity of making an assassination.

Neir This was the third time.

Cooper.

Yes. Within two days, more accurate and complete information

Before Cooper could finish his words, Richard slowly raised himself.

No, I will go.

Yes, what?

Nodding instinctively and mindlessly, Cooper opened his eyes wide.

Are you going by yourself?

Yes.

The aide quickly agreed to the words that the crown prince would personally go for a task that would have been sufficient even if he sent someone.

The one in front of him was Richard.

Who would be concerned about his safety even if he went out alone at night, to a place that would be extremely dangerous?

Cooper didnt say much and bowed deeply.

Wearing a robe that looked cheap at first glance, with even faint stains smeared here and there, let alone detailed patterns or colorful colors, Richard paused as he headed toward the door.

There will be a letter from James.

Cooper took a step forward and leaned towards him.

Is it dangerous?

Well. I said before that its suspicious.

Your Highness, with all due respect, its been a while since Sir Gryu went off.

Richard did not answer. It was because he didnt know enough to give a quick answer to what the long period Cooper was talking about was.

Ordinary peoples long and his long were completely different concepts.

There was the only person who could share the passage of time with him.

Only Ophelia.

Therefore?

If I know whats going on and help, things can be handled a little more efficiently.

Along with a friendly smile, Coopers eyes glistened sharply.

Even now, I dont know whats going on. The risk is too great for me to handle alone, so Iris help will be needed.

And?

Even so, there will come a day when there arent enough hands. Comprehensive preparation without knowing anything takes not just twice as much time or effort as targeted investigations or preparations.

Cooper shrugged his shoulders.

So not only Iris, but Ophelia as well, will be mobilized sooner or later. All three aides will have their hands tied.

The moment Ophelias name flowed again from Coopers lips, this time, a deep gorge formed between Richards brows.

I dont have to borrow Ophelias hand yet, but if things go on like this, sooner or later, her help will be essential

James is out in a village.

Richard cut in; before Cooper could finish his sentence, before the words of him and Ophelia having to spend a longer time together came out.

A village? He went to investigate something dangerous

He said he suspects that the entire village has been artificially created.

In response to Richards reveal, Cooper asked what the problem was.

Is there anything wrong with the village itself being formed artificially?

In some cases, villages were formed naturally as people gathered one by one, but it was also common to establish a village through planned migration.

Ill tell you the details, youll find out soon.

I apologize

And Cooper.

Yes.

Call only Iris.

Yes?

Before Cooper could ask further, Richard disappeared as if dissolving into thin air.

Left alone, Cooper tilted his head as he reached for the papers.

Ame: is that jealousy i smell? *smirks* and im right that richard and cooper are cooped up in the office!

Dea: it 100% is and im here for it haha, now after this short richard and cooper commercial break, take me back to the girls!!